A team of chemists at UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a unique approach to harnessing sunlight to produce hydrogen gas. By inducing catalysts to self-assemble into globules, they create a more efficient system for splitting water into its constituent elements - hydrogen and oxygen.
A new study quantifies the significant health impacts of oil and gas flaring in the US, resulting in over 700 premature deaths and 73,000 asthma exacerbations annually. The research highlights the need for stronger controls on emissions from this sector to improve public health and mitigate climate change.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers have developed a new drug delivery platform that harnesses helical amyloid fibers designed to untwist and release drugs in response to body temperatures. This discovery could be useful in treatment to reverse Alzheimer’s Disease impact by degrading amyloid plaques.
A new study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill found that the chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time. The analysis of space and time trends for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the continental US suggests targeted strategies to reduce specific pollutants for different regions can further reduce total air pollut...
A team at UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a new process for synthesizing amides with 100% atom efficiency, employing environmentally friendly cobalt. This approach offers an attractive alternative to traditional methods, which often generate waste and poor atom economy.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and Eastman have developed a new process for making anhydride chemical compounds using nickel as a catalyst, promising cost savings and sustainability. The new process offers a potential alternative to traditional methods that rely on expensive precious metal catalysts.
A study by researchers in the US and Indonesia found that women exposed to the 2004 tsunami had lower cortisol levels 14 years later, linked to stress and 'burnout' of the HPA-axis. The research provides insights into the long-term impacts of climate change on populations worldwide.
A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill professor Eric Kirby and his co-authors suggests that changes in the size of the Yangtze River watershed led to rapid fluvial incision, carving deep canyons.
A new UNC study found significant disparities in testing and treatment of private wells among low-income and minority households in North Carolina. The research highlights alarming levels of contamination and unequal access to well testing and treatment.
A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill researchers found significant nitrogen fixation in sargassum communities, outpacing other marine sources. This discovery sheds light on the critical role of sargassum in supporting marine productivity and highlights the importance of long-term data collection.
Chile's multi-phased regulations, starting in 2016, have led to a 73% drop in children's exposure to TV ads for regulated foods and drinks. The number of unhealthy food ads on TV dropped by 64%, with 77% fewer during children's programming.
A new UNC study estimates that minority communities within 100 meters of major roadways face up to 15% higher PM2.5 and 35% higher NO2 exposure than white communities. The study reveals significant exposure inequities across the US, with vulnerable populations facing a greater burden of pollutants.
Researchers found bivalent boosters to be 67% effective in preventing hospitalization and death, with effectiveness waning after four weeks. The boosters also reduced the risk of infection and death against newer omicron strains.
A new study published by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill estimates $562 million in previously unquantified financial risks arising from property value changes and uninsured flood damages in eastern North Carolina. The research team developed a new modeling framework using data on homes sales, mortgage loa...
Carolina researchers have engineered silicon nanowires that can convert sunlight into electricity, splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. This innovative design enables the production of a greener alternative to fossil fuels, making it more competitive with traditional energy sources.
A new study from the University of North Carolina found that over ten new residences have been built in NC's 100-year floodplains for every residence removed through government buyouts. This trend contributes to increasing risk, despite community and government efforts to reduce flood damage.
A peer-reviewed study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that updated bivalent mRNA vaccines are more effective than original monovalent boosters at preventing COVID-19 hospitalization and death. Booster effectiveness peaked at four weeks after receipt and waned afterward, with average effectiveness against severe i...
A study of 169 students found that habitual social media checking is linked to increased sensitivity in adolescent brains. This increased sensitivity may be an adaptive behavior to navigate the digital world, but also poses potential long-term consequences for brain development.
A new study published in Science Advances shows that early deprivation can have long-lasting effects on brain development, even into adolescence. Children who were randomly placed into high-quality foster care before the age of 3 had changes in areas of the brain supporting higher-order problem-solving years later.
A new study published in JAMA highlights the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and prior infection in reducing the risk of future infection, hospitalization, and death. The study shows that primary vaccination and booster doses provide strong protection against severe outcomes, even after a year and a half.
Researchers identified ways to decrease political division by highlighting similarities, correcting misconceptions and building dialogue skills. Targeted approaches can help partisans gain more accurate perceptions of each other.
A recent study found that educators in Texas and North Carolina experienced burnout and lack of support after hurricanes Harvey and Matthew. Researchers recommend that school districts create specific emergency plans to address mental health needs, including professional development training for teachers.
A recent study proposes updating alcohol container warning labels to inform consumers about the risks of moderate and light drinking. The researchers argue that the current label is vague and misleading, while suggesting more detailed warnings with visual elements could lead to healthier behaviors.
A new study predicts that climate change will cause a significant rise in mortality rates due to excessively hot nights, with an estimated 60% increase by the end of the century. The researchers used climate modeling scenarios to estimate the impact on 28 cities across three countries.
A recent study by UNC-Chapel Hill biologists reveals the crucial link between benthic cyanobacterial mats and coral Black Band Disease, a pressing conservation concern. The researchers suggest mitigating strategies to reduce its spread and highlight the importance of monitoring reef cover of cyanobacterial mats for effective management.
A new study finds that climate warming could deepen environmental injustice in urban areas, with extreme heat events leading to increased labor losses and economic burdens. Plausible adaptation strategies like green roofs and cool walls can help mitigate these impacts and reduce income inequality.
Researchers have found a significant number of massive black holes in dwarf galaxies, contradicting previous assumptions that they are rare. The newly discovered black holes offer insights into the life story of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole and its potential mergers with other galaxies.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new oral compound that is as effective as molnupiravir in reducing disease in mice, showing promise for treating COVID-19. The pill form of remdesivir could make it accessible for early treatment and reduce hospitalization rates.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are working with community-based harm reduction programs to develop systems to detect and issue public warnings about dangerous adulterants in street drugs. The team aims to use data to reduce overdose deaths and provide timely alerts to protect people's health.
A study of over 1,600 Black women found that those who frequently experienced racism before age 20 were at higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms in adulthood. The research highlights the damaging effects of racism on mental health, particularly among young people transitioning into independence.
A new study reveals that tobacco companies have secret contracts with retailers that allow them to give their products prime placement in stores, discount pricing, and target specific demographics. This undermines ongoing public health efforts to decrease tobacco use.
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a method to break down plastics and create stronger, more valuable materials. By modifying carbon-hydrogen bonds, they can expand the life span of single-use plastics into high-value polymers.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pictorial health warnings on sugary drinks reduced parental purchases of these beverages for their children by 17%. The warnings also led to a decrease in calories purchased from sugary drinks and increased parents' feelings of control over healthy eating decisions.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that COVID-19 vaccines maintain protection from severe disease nine months after the first shot. Boosters are crucial for older adults, according to lead author Danyu Lin, PhD.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an international team finds that triclosan triggers gut inflammation in mice. The researchers identified specific bacteria and enzymes that drive this damage, but also developed a microbiome-targeted inhibitor to block triclosan processing, preventing colitis.
University of North Carolina researchers have created a rapid sensing COVID-19 test strip using the natural biology of epithelial cells. The test is inspired by the virus' affinity for sugars in the glycocalyx matrix.
Researchers at Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill have identified a new antibody that can block infections and minimize symptoms against a broad array of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The antibody was tested in animal models and found to be effective in protecting mice against developing severe lung symptoms.
The study found that the $25 Summer Card Pilot program successfully encouraged more adults to get a COVID-19 vaccine by halving the drop in vaccination rates. The program's design provided guaranteed financial incentives, which were particularly effective among low-income and minority groups.
Scientists at Stanford and UNC Chapel Hill developed a 3D-printed vaccine patch that provides greater protection than traditional vaccines. The patch applies the vaccine directly to the skin, triggering a potent immune response and potentially leading to dose sparing and higher vaccination rates.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill engineered ultra-potent antibodies that effectively trapped and blocked over 99.9% of human sperm during animal testing. The promising results suggest an alternative non-hormonal option to prevent pregnancy may be available.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that first-year college students reported decreased alcohol use and binge drinking during the pandemic. Social factors such as social distancing and reduced social support were associated with these decreases, while stress-related factors played a lesser role for most students.
A new study found that Chile's package of healthy food policies led to significant declines in the purchase of unhealthy foods and drinks. The implementation of mandatory front-of-package warning labels resulted in a 24% reduction in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium purchased per day.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill developed a universal vaccine that protects against multiple coronaviruses, including COVID-19 and SARS. The hybrid vaccine effectively generated neutralizing antibodies against various spike proteins, preventing infection and lung damage in mice.
A recent UNC-Chapel Hill study found that explicitly stating a person's preferred pronouns can improve understanding and interpretation of those pronouns. The study showed that participants were more likely to correctly interpret singular 'they' pronouns when they were explicitly told a person uses they/them pronouns.
Researchers found that obesity-related cancer deaths improved at a slower rate than non-obesity related cancer deaths, with declines of 2.29% and .83%, respectively. Obesity contributes to both cancer risk and heart disease risk, but the study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight can improve overall health.
Researchers developed a mobile gaming application to improve HIV care for young men living with the virus, achieving viral suppression and near-perfect ART adherence through gamification elements and social networking features. The app was shown to provide a significant head start in controlling the HIV virus.
The Carolina Population Center at UNC Chapel Hill has received a $38.2 million NIH grant to continue the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which tracks adolescents from adolescence to middle age. The study aims to understand how early life experiences impact adult health and well-being.
A study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells in the mouth, potentially explaining widespread symptoms and enabling transmission through saliva. The study revealed RNA for viral entry proteins in certain oral tissues, suggesting these regions are susceptible to infection.
First-year college students are experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety due to social isolation and remote learning. The study found that Black students were disproportionately affected by depression, while Hispanic and first-generation students showed improvements in feelings of social isolation.
Researchers found that positive messages about togetherness and unity were more appealing than fear-based or instructive messages. Participants wore masks frequently in public settings but not when physically distanced outside or alone, highlighting the importance of community safety as a motivation for mask-wearing.